Certificate of Capital Importation (CCI) in Nigeria: What It Is and When Nigerians Abroad Need One
A Certificate of Capital Importation records foreign currency brought into Nigeria for investment and protects the right to take it back out through the official market. How it works and when it matters for Nigerians investing from abroad.
A Certificate of Capital Importation (CCI) is issued by a Nigerian bank when foreign currency comes into Nigeria for investment. It records the inflow and protects the investor's right to take the capital, dividends and profits back out in foreign currency through the official foreign exchange market. Since 2017 it has been issued electronically, as the e-CCI.
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What the CCI Does
Under the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, foreign currency brought in through an authorised dealer bank for investment is documented with a CCI. That certificate is what later lets the investor convert and repatriate the capital and its returns at the official market, after any taxes.
How It Is Issued
- The foreign currency is sent to an authorised dealer bank in Nigeria for a stated investment.
- The bank checks the supporting documents and carries out its identity checks.
- The bank issues the electronic CCI on the Central Bank of Nigeria's platform, normally within 24 hours of the inflow.
Do Nigerians Abroad Need One?
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It depends on how the money comes in and whether you expect to take it back out in foreign currency.
- Money sent through a money transfer service is paid out in naira and is treated as naira at home. It does not come with a CCI.
- Foreign currency brought in through a bank for a specific investment, where you want the right to repatriate it later, is where a CCI matters.
- The Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, introduced by the CBN in January 2025, is built for Nigerians abroad who want to invest at home and keep their balances and returns repatriable.
If getting your money back out in pounds or dollars later matters to you, decide how to bring it in before you send it. It is much harder to document after the event.
The CCI and Owning Shares
Shares on the Nigerian Exchange are bought and held in naira, and dividends are paid in naira. Whether you need a CCI depends on how you funded the purchase, not on the shares themselves. Ask your bank or broker which route fits what you plan to do.
Comparing the ways to fund a Nigerian investment from abroad.
How to Send Money to Nigeria to InvestFrequently Asked Questions
Who issues a Certificate of Capital Importation?
An authorised dealer bank in Nigeria, electronically, on the Central Bank of Nigeria's e-CCI platform.
How long does a CCI take?
Banks are expected to issue it within 24 hours of the capital arriving, once the documents are complete.
Is a CCI needed for money I send home to family?
No. A CCI documents foreign capital brought in for investment, not personal remittances.
Can I get a CCI after the money has arrived?
It is issued on the inflow, so arrange it with your bank before or as you send.
Important disclaimer. This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or any recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You should seek independent regulated financial advice before making any investment decision. Shares Saver does not provide financial advice.
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